Langston Hughes and poet Arna Bontemps became lifelong friends after they met in New York. After collaborating on a children’s book about Haiti, Popo and Fifina, they embarked on a number of other joint projects (though the play Bontemps mentions in this letter never saw completion). Bontemps took it upon himself to compile much of Hughes’ writing and correspondence after the author died in 1967.
Oakwood
April 25th [1934]
Dear Lang:
Unless the Ford breaks down, I’ll be in L.A. about the 5th or 6th of June. Within a very few days no more than one week (allowing me to salute my relatives) we can leave for the ranch. When we shall return to L.A. we can decide later. We are free to stay there as long as we choose. If I should go to summer school, I’d have to come up after the 4th of July, but I will not go unless I get more money than I now see, and if I get enough more I will not go either. The bets are ten to one against summer school therefore. I have now just my transportation in sight—the price of this Ford is killing me—but I read in a paper that you and I are going to write for the movies, and if that is the case, I’ll soon be jingling money. But the book will make a little; I’ll get there with a fully outlined story, a story that we can finish in two or three weeks. And I have been studying over the play. I do think that outline was inspired. But we should call it The Peon or something like that instead of The Soldiers Pass. I can hardly wait to get started on it. I believe we’ll make a stirring play and that we’ll find a stirring title for it. And by the way, this may be my chance to go to Russia—that possible Moscow production you mentioned.
I have a black and white novel that is trying to sour on my hands. I’m going to put it by till fall. At one time I hoped to finish it by this spring. No luck.
The dramatic version of God Sends Sunday is being held by some producers who say they will start a Negro Repertory theatre in Harlem. But there is a catch: they have not put down the option money, though they promise to do so in the summer. I’m smiling too. I’ve learned from others to take nothing for granted in the theatre. But with The Peon or The Soldiers Pass or Lamp in the West or whatever it may be, the case will be different. They’ll be glad enough to lay the money on the line.
Do you remember any good stopping places in Arizona or in western Texas? Anything in Phoenix or El Paso? And what is the best route from here to the coast? I have never driven it, you know.
If we can borrow a shotgun and if I can regain my eye, we’ll have grouse for breakfast frequently.
Ever,
Arna
From Arna Bontemps – Langston Hughes Letters. Edited by Charles H. Nichols. New York: Dodd, Mead and Company (1980) pp. 24-25.
FURTHER READING
Excerpts from Hughes and Bontemp’s Children’s book Popo and Fifina.